THORNLEIGH Salesian College has been awarded specialist sports college status -- a fitting accolade following years of being strong on the track and field.

The Astley Bridge school, in Sharples Park, will get more PE staff, extend coaching opportunities, and open up their resources to other schools and to the local community.

Helen Grundy, head of Girls PE, said: "We decided to go for specialist sports status because we already have a strong sporting tradition. Historically, we have been very successful in sport."

Plans for the school include developing an astro turf pitch to be used by the school and community groups.

The school will use their new resources to help provide primary schools with extra help in areas such as dance and gymnastics.

As a sports college, Thornleigh will develop links with local sports centres and hopes to encourage more parental involvement in the school through the use of sport. Parents will be able to come in and spend an hour learning ICT skills before going on to an aerobics session.